Jain Bauddh Tattvagyan Part 02

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Bauddh Tattvagyan Part 02" by Shitalprasad Bramhachari, based on the provided pages:

Overview and Author's Intent:

This book, the second part of "Jain Bauddh Tattvagyan," is authored by Brahmachari Shitalprasadji and published by Mulchand Kisandas Kapadia. It's presented as a gift to the subscribers of "Jain Mitra." The author's primary goal is to highlight the significant similarities between Jainism and Buddhism, particularly emphasizing how modern perceptions of Buddhism often deviate from its ancient philosophical underpinnings as found in Pali literature. The book aims to foster mutual understanding and study between Jain and Buddhist traditions.

Core Arguments and Content:

The book focuses on comparing and contrasting Jain and Buddhist philosophies, primarily by analyzing key concepts from the Pali Buddhist canon, specifically excerpts from the Majjhima Nikaya. The author argues that:

• Shared Philosophical Ground: Both Jainism and Buddhism share fundamental philosophical tenets. The author disputes the common misconception that Buddhism is solely about materialism or nihilism, pointing to the descriptive terms used for Nirvana in Pali literature.

• Nirvana: The numerous positive descriptions of Nirvana in Pali texts (e.g., auspicious, protective, peaceful, eternal, blissful, uncreated, ultimate goal) suggest it's not mere emptiness but a state of profound being, akin to the Jain concept of the liberated soul (Shuddha Atma or Parmatma). This liberated soul is described as independent, pure, and distinct from the five aggregates (skandhas) in Buddhism, mirroring the Jain understanding of the soul's inherent qualities.

• Path to Liberation: The book draws parallels between the Buddhist Eightfold Path and the Jain Ratnatraya (Three Jewels). Both paths are seen as leading to the same ultimate goal. The Eightfold Path (Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration) is mapped onto the Jain principles of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

• Ethical Principles: Jainism and Buddhism share core ethical principles, including the emphasis on compassion and the importance of non-violence (Ahimsa). The author addresses the perceived laxity in Buddhist adherence to vegetarianism, attributing it to interpretations of scriptures like the Lankavatara Sutra and the practice of accepting alms, rather than the original teachings of the Buddha or Mahavira.

• Historical Connection: The author suggests that Gautama Buddha, after renouncing his worldly life, followed ascetic practices similar to those of Jain ascetics, including nudity and mendicancy. He posits that Buddhism emerged from a schism within the broader spiritual landscape that was largely influenced by Jainism, pointing to the existence of different sects within Jainism (Digambara and Shvetambara) as a precedent for the emergence of Buddhism.

• Critique of Modern Buddhism: The book differentiates between the Buddhism found in the Pali Pitakas and the Buddhism commonly understood today, citing Western scholars who note this distinction.

• Detailed Analysis of Buddhist Suttas: The book delves into specific suttas from the Majjhima Nikaya to illustrate these points. Each sutta is explained and its core teachings are compared to Jain principles. Key suttas discussed include:

  • Mulaparyaya Sutra: Focuses on the nature of reality, the transcendence of phenomenal experience, and the path to self-realization, emphasizing non-attachment to sensory objects and concepts.
  • Savvasava Sutra: Discusses the cessation of "asravas" (influxes of karma) through practices analogous to Jain Samvara (restraint) and Gupti (control of mind, speech, and body).
  • Mahabhairava Sutra: Explains the importance of fearlessness achieved through purity of conduct and mental discipline, linking internal purity to external equanimity.
  • Anangana Sutra: Differentiates between individuals based on their awareness of internal defilements ("angana") and their efforts to eradicate them, comparing this to the purification process in Jainism.
  • Vastra Sutra: Uses the analogy of dyeing clean and dirty clothes to explain how mental purity leads to liberation, while defilements lead to suffering, drawing parallels with the Jain concept of kashayas (passions).
  • Sallekhana Sutra: Explains the concept of "sallekhana" or self-discipline through the abandonment of harmful mental states and practices, aligning with Jain austerities and ethical conduct.
  • Samyagdrushti Sutra: Elaborates on the nature of "right view" in Buddhism, which is found to be congruent with Jainism's emphasis on right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  • Smritiprasthana Sutra: Details mindfulness practices related to the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects, highlighting their role in achieving liberation, comparable to Jain practices of introspection and meditation.
  • Chullasinghanada Sutra: Discusses the importance of pure conduct and the understanding of the nature of attachments to achieve freedom from suffering.
  • Mahadukkhandha Sutra: Analyzes the causes of suffering, particularly desire (trishna) and its connection to the sensory world and the physical body, emphasizing detachment.
  • Chulladukhandha Sutra: Continues the discourse on suffering and its cessation.
  • Anumana Sutra: Focuses on self-reflection and critical examination of one's actions and intentions.
  • Chetokhila Sutra: Addresses hindrances to spiritual progress, such as doubt and attachment.
  • Dvedhavitarka Sutra: Explores the nature of thoughts and the importance of controlling them.
  • Vitarkasamsthana Sutra: Discusses the modification and transformation of thoughts.
  • Karkachupama Sutra: Uses analogies to explain the process of overcoming negative tendencies.
  • Mahagosingha Sutra: Highlights the importance of virtuous living and right conduct.
  • Mahagopala Sutra: Emphasizes the role of a spiritual guide or teacher.
  • Mahatrusnakshaya Sutra: Focuses on the eradication of craving and desire as the path to liberation.

• Key Jain Concepts Highlighted: The book frequently refers to core Jain concepts like Ahimsa, Ratnatraya, Samvara, Nirjara, the seven Tattvas (soul, non-soul, influx, bondage, restraint, elimination, liberation), and the importance of self-experience (Svanubhav) and pure consciousness.

Conclusion:

"Jain Bauddh Tattvagyan Part 02" is a scholarly work that aims to bridge the perceived gap between Jainism and Buddhism. By meticulously examining Pali Buddhist texts through a Jain lens, Brahmachari Shitalprasadji demonstrates the deep philosophical kinship between these two ancient Indian religions, urging for a more informed and unified understanding of their shared wisdom.